We chatted with Alana Wilkie ahead of Kustom Kulture’s GreazeFest

Describe your art in a few words:

Highly detailed, colourful, realistic, bold.

How did you first get started in painting and art?

I’ve always been creative, I struggle to go a day without painting. I found high school so boring so would always be drawing during class. I was lucky my mum enrolled me in an amazing art class that really helped me learn a great technique. I moved to Melbourne determined to go to the best art school and had so many amazing opportunities while there including an artist residency in Italy. From there I’ve been painting and drawing ever since and working hard to make it my full-time job.

What inspires your designs?

For my hot rod art, I’m inspired by American hot rods racing on the salt flats in Bonneville. The cars look great against the amazing backdrop of a white salt ground, mountains in the distance and clear blue skies. People take all sorts of cars and bikes there to try to make land speed records.

I’m also inspired by the glamour of old Hollywood actresses who are classic beauties. I love watching movies from the 1940s and 1950s for the fashion and the attitude the ladies have.

Who or what influences your art?

I’m really inspired by the past, the glamour and aesthetic of the fifties. Also, social media is a huge influence. Instagram is the most current place to see what other artists are doing as well as sharing my own work.

What do you love about rockabilly and hot rods?

I love love love dressing up! I am always on the hunt for vintage dresses. I also love the rockabilly dancing, although I need some more practice. I’ve grown up in a hot-rodding family so have a deep appreciation for cars. The best thing is driving them to events like Greazefest and enjoying time with friends and family.

Who’s your favourite artist?

I have so many! Edward Hopper, an American artist who painted that famous diner scene. Italian artist Artemisia Gentileschi who was a female artist who lived during the Renaissance and was way ahead of her time. Also, Keith Weesner is an inspiration for all his amazing hot rod paintings and drawings.

What message do you hope to achieve with your art?

I want to portray these cars as more than “low brow art” – that’s a term used in kustom culture to describe the art of that genre. My paintings take hours to complete and they’re the subject matter. Hot rods are works of art themselves!

How are you involved in this year’s GreazeFest Kustom Kulture Festival?

This year I initially was only going to be involved in the Art Exhibition but decided I’d do something out of my comfort zone and try being in the Pin Up Parade. I’ll be selling my art as well as showcasing an outfit I made for the Miss Tiki Wahini Pinup Contest.

What do you love most about modern pin-up parades?

I love seeing how girls have styled their outfits, hair, and makeup. It’s always a colourful fun event that brings joy to everyone watching.

What are the plans for the future?

I’d really love to be able to do my art full-time. It’s so much work but it’s what I dream of doing.

About GreezeFest Kustom Kulture Festival

GreezeFest Kustom Kulture Festival is an annual event held at Redland Showgrounds. The three-day family-friendly festival will shine a spotlight on the passionate rockabilly and hot rod community, with revellers rocking ‘n’ rolling their way back in time to celebrate all things vintage.

For further details head to the website: www.greazefest.com